“Julia CR Gray's ceramic work is compelling because it interlaces the vital issues of gender equality and ocean conservation through her meticulous textures and illustrative storytelling. Julia creates a unique dialogue that resonates deeply in today's societal context. Her ability to embody the spirit of female empowerment while advocating for the preservation of our oceans highlights an intersectional approach that is both urgent and inspiring. By using her platform to merge these critical themes, she amplifies the voices of women and the call for environmental stewardship, fostering a broader awareness and collective action. Her art serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of social and ecological justice, urging audiences to reflect and engage.
Gray’s work not only challenges norms but also paves the way for transformative conversations and actions.”
— Michelle May, Juniper Rag
SHE Sea Wisdom
SHE Power of Protest
SHE Sea Wisdom Mother of Pearl
Artist Statement
I create torsos to speak of my concerns of social and climatic upheaval. Female torsos also express my spiritual connection to nature. I am inspired by the beautiful Pacific Ocean and our local Cardiff Reef. If I could stare long enough at the perfect spiral of a shell, I might merge with the consciousness that created that golden ratio. My search to connect with nature compels me to walk on the beach at sunrise. There is a power and mystery that I carry back to my ceramic studio. These works merge beautiful female forms with marine motifs, using gold accents and layered glazes to emphasize the fragility and beauty of marine ecosystems. The body’s opalescent form speaks to the mystery of being, and deeply embedded coral patterns with real gold accents symbolizes nature’s preciousness.
Bio
Julia C R Gray sculpts opalescent, Ocean-inspired ceramic torsos in her Cardiff by the Sea, California home studio. Gray’s art career spans decades, her work is grounded in continued artistic growth and Nature’s dynamic energy of the current moment. She studied painting, ceramic, glass and bronze casting, completing a BFA (2014) at San Francisco Art institute, including studies abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her art is collected internationally, and Gray exhibits in museums and galleries nationally. Selected exhibitions include Customs House Museum, Clarksville, TN; The California Clay Competition, Davis, CA; San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, CA; Oceanside Museum of Art, CA; The American Museum of Ceramics, Pomona, CA; Loveland Museum, Colorado; Fountain Street Gallery, Boston, MA and Bristol Art Museum, Rhode Island.
Recommendation
“I enjoyed working with you and Payal Thiffault so very much. Your support has been phenomenal from the magazine call to the exhibition collaboration with Curtis Speer at CUSP Gallery, as well as sharing your community and your collectors so generously.
You have made a positive difference in my art career. You are the best, thank you Michelle!” —Julia CR Gray